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Trestle support apparatus

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/879,898 filed Jan. 11, 2007, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety.

The present disclose generally relates to a model track assembly and specifically to a support apparatus suitable for supporting a conventional trestle for a model track assembly, such as a model railroad track assembly and model racecar track assembly.

Hobby enthusiasts for many years have enjoyed the operation of model railroad trains and model racecars, both of the type in which separate track sections are removably joined together to form a closed path designed by the hobbyist over which a model train or racecar will travel. In the simplest form, a section of track includes a pair of spaced apart, electrically conductive rails and an arrangement of ties extending between the rails, the rails being joined together to form the track section into the desired configuration. The rails form a closed electrical circuit when the track sections are joined together in a closed configuration or pattern. Means are provided for supplying electrical energy to the rails of the assembled track sections to energize the model train or racecar traveling thereon. The track sections range in size and shape. There are countless possibilities for individual track sections: some are straight; some feature switching mechanisms; some are curved having various radii; and, some are ascending for connection to another track positioned at a higher level.

One of the problems facing designers today is the connection of incoming, ascending segments to other track sections, which are positioned at a different height than the incoming, ascending segments. Generally, track support apparatuses, such as trestles, are used to support such ascending track sections. Trestles may be used individually but are typically arranged in series. For example, a typical figure-8-shaped course includes elevated track sections which cross at the center of the figure-8 at differing levels. The track sections are supported at an incline and decline by gradually ascending and descending trestles. However, prior art support apparatuses fail to provide adequate stability to such track sections ascending above the figure-8-shaped course.

It is also popular to suspend model tracks from architectural structures, such as ceilings, within restaurants, retail outlets, homes, and the like. Suspended model railroad tracks are aesthetically pleasing and add substantially to the enjoyment of being in such places. Diners, customers, friends, and relatives all enjoy watching model trains travel upon such suspended tracks. However, suspending model railroad tracks from architectural structures requires custom installation involving attachment of the track sections and support apparatuses to the architectural structure, typically via suspension members. Thus, each track section and support apparatus must be individually installed specifically to suit its particular location. Additionally, it is frequently desirable to install model railroad track outdoors, such as in garden environments, for example. Thus, it would similarly be beneficial to provide support apparatuses for supporting model railroad tracks and trestles above such surfaces as soil, stone, concrete, floors, etc.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a new and improved trestle support apparatus which overcomes the difficulties with the prior art designs.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a trestle support apparatus for use with a model track assembly is provided. The model track assembly includes track sections and trestles of a first configuration and separate track sections and trestles of a second configuration. The trestle support apparatus comprises an elongated base including an elongated channel dimensioned to releasably receive and support a trestle of a first configuration. First and second stanchions are releasably mounted to the base.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a trestle support apparatus comprises an elongated base including a platform and first and second arms extending outwardly from the platform. The platform and the first and second arms define an elongated channel dimensioned to releasably receive and support a trestle of a first configuration. First and second stanchions are releasably mounted to the base. The first and second stanchions are in spaced apart relation such that at least two parallel track sections can be positioned beneath the base.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a trestle support apparatus comprises an elongated base including an elongated channel dimensioned to releasably receive and support a trestle of a first configuration. First and second stanchions are releasably mounted to the base. Each of the first and second stanchions include a first end section configured to be releasably mounted beneath the base and a second end section configured to be releasably mounted within the elongated channel.

Still other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from a reading and understanding of the detailed description of the several embodiments described hereinbelow.

The present disclosure may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, several embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an assembled trestle support apparatus according to the present disclosure, the trestle support apparatus having a first conventional trestle mounted thereto.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a stanchion of the trestle support apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the stanchion of FIG. 2.